Deployable panel structure for an array antenna

摘要

A deployable panel structure for an array antenna comprising a first and a second set of panels hinged together for deployment between a folded configuration for stowage and an elongate unfolded configuration; wherein the panels of said first set are hinged together about a plurality of spaced-apart axes which are transverse to an elongate axis of the unfolded structure and the panels of said second set are hinged to panels of the first set about lengthwise axes parallel to said elongate axis of the unfolded structure; and wherein the number and arrangement of the panels is such that a width of the unfolded structure, measured transversely of its elongate extent, is less at one or both of its ends than the width of its middle portion.